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What is this medicine?

ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; NORETHINDRONE ACETATE (ETh in il es tra DYE ole; nor eth IN drone AS e tate) is used as hormone replacement in menopausal women who still have their uterus. This product helps to treat hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis (weak bones).

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. You may take this medicine with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You will take one tablet daily at roughly the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

breakthrough bleeding and spotting

breast enlargement, tenderness, or discharge

chest pain

leg, arm, or groin pain

severe headaches

stomach or abdominal pain (severe)

sudden shortness of breath

swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain

vaginal yeast infection (irritation and white discharge)

vision or speech problems

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

Where should I keep my medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

blood vessel disease or blood clots

breast, cervical, endometrial, or uterine cancer

diabetes

endometriosis

fibroids

gallbladder disease

heart disease or recent heart attack

high blood cholesterol

high blood pressure

high level of calcium in the blood

hysterectomy

kidney disease

liver disease

mental depression

migraine headaches

porphyria

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

tobacco smoker

stroke

vaginal bleeding

an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 months. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines.

This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant; stop taking this medicine at once and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.